The playmaker, affectionately known as ‘the Jewel’, has joined the east Londoners on loan from UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al-Jazira. As part of the agreement, provided he performs in the Premier League, there is the option to sign him on a permanent basis.

Lanzini clearly has some pedigree – he came through the same River Plate youth system that produced the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Ariel Ortega and Javier Mascherano.

And, while Bilic admits that his new man needs to improve his strength and durability, the West Ham manager is excited about the new recruit.

Bilic said: “Lanzini is a good player, he’s young and good, we get him on loan, we are happy that he joined us.

“He was very young, about 20 years of age, when they gave him the No.10 shirt at River Plate, which is a massive club.

“I watched him two years ago and I wanted to take him to Besiktas, but it was difficult then.

“He will add even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch.

“I am confident he can adapt to life in England.

“He’s not very strong but he rises to challenges, so I hope he could be a big one for us.